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The Legacies of Ivan Allen Jr.

During two terms in office from 1962 to 1970, Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. transformed Atlanta from a stagnant, segregated town of the Old South into a burgeoning international city at the forefront of human rights. His road map for rebirth addressed nearly every aspect of a vibrant urban environment — arts, culture, housing, sports, transportation, infrastructure, and commerce. He also provided pivotal leadership advocating the public accommodation for African-Americans. Mayor Allen risked his life challenging Atlanta, the South, and the U.S. Congress to light the path of civil rights “for all the world to see.”

The College proudly advances Mayor Allen's legacies of transformative urban leadership and socially and ethically conscious action. Our cross-disciplinary research, teaching, and service enlarge upon the very same realms that were part of his original Forward Atlanta plan and, today, encompass: innovative education, global leadership development, international relations, governance and public policy, community relations, economic development and innovation, urban development and sustainability, arts and entertainment, and sports. We are ever deepening and evolving our understanding of these legacies, their interrelationships, and their ongoing impact. It is our hope that by illuminating Mayor Allen's legacies, Georgia Tech students are inspired to leadership that is grounded in courage, compassion, and human justice.

The Allen Legacies at Georgia Tech

1990

Ivan Allen College is foundedwith a mission for teaching, research, and service grounded in the values and principles of former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.

Ivan Allen Jr. History Traveling Exhibit is created. It is curated by the Atlanta History Center and supported by the Georgia Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities We the People initiative.

K-12 Ivan Allen Jr. History Teacher’s Guide is created.

2003-2012

Ten symposia/research forums are held highlighting the Allen legacies.